On Monday 28th November, the Memorial of the Translation of the Relics of St John of God, a meeting was convened at the General Curia of the Brothers of St John of God in Rome for the officials in charge of Initial Formation and Masters of Postulants from the Provinces of the Europe Region. 

After three years of being prevented from meeting in-person, this meeting had been called to reflect, share and discern regarding a number of matters to do with Initial Formation in the Order in Europe, such as the European Novitiate Project, the Formation Programmes of the Postulancy and Novitiate, the challenges confronting the Provinces when accompanying candidates, and the management of documents and reports within the formation process.

These joint reflections will help us to move forward with greater determination in the formation process.  The group considered it essential to clarify the religious motivations of the candidates at the very beginning of the process of accompanying the candidates, to adopt an unhurried accompaniment process, and to maintain close coordination between the different stages in order to ensure continuity in the formation process.  Finally, it urged the Region to continue promoting and evaluating the Lines of Action laid down by the 69th General Chapter regarding Vocations Promotion and Formation.

The meeting was greatly appreciated by the participants, and we are sure that the reflections we had shared will help us to continue moving forward in closer coordination as the Europe Region.